Turn over rocks and see what crawls out Get lots of books for the more interesting bugs like butterflies, moths, spiders, etc.

When I was doing Calvert 8th grade, I was supposed to do a science essay, so I decided to write my essay on hunting spiders. I got 5 or 7 books out from the library, compiled the info, and ended up having to write a 5000-word essay. In retrospect, choosing a subject of smaller scope might have been smarter, but at least I know lots about spiders now. Interesting subject.

To help learn the alphabet and learn more about insects we can do this activity:
Print out pictures of the insects above, go through them, talk about them. Make up large cards, one letter per card, put them out on the floor and then get the child to sort the insect pictures by placing each one below the letter that their name starts with.

cut picture of insects (magazines or printed from the computer) and make a collage.

Talk about the symmetry of butterflies, then make a semmetric painting. Fold paper in half. Unfold. Blob or sponge on paint in shape of butterfly wings on one side of the paper. Fold in half agian. Open. The paint should have transfered to the other side to create a symmetrical "butterfly".

Contentment is accepting your circumstance without looking to change it. Resting is being at peace with your circumstance while following God's leading for change.

2. DISCUSSED--I'm not entirely sure how much he comprehended, but we did talk about the types of bugs, what they eat, stuff like that. Throughout the book we also counted, discussed shapes and colors, pointed out things, talked about letter sounds, etc.

3. OBSERVED--We went outside and found bugs and spiders. We have a nice big spider and elaborate web on the corner of our porch, and we also found a ladybug. We listened to the crickets one evening and talked about the sound they made. We saw a butterfly, but unfortunately didn't come across any caterpillars this time of year, lol.

4. PLAYED--my sister and nephew used to collect Beanie Babies. We also have a few other toys that come in bug form, lol. I gathered up some of our insect and spider toys and we played with them, and again, discussed what they did. We made the stuffed butterfly fly through the air and land on a stuffed flower. We counted the spots on a stuffed ladybug and made it crawl after one of our dogs. Hehe, we even made a stuffed spider EAT some Cheerios, er, I mean, flies!

5. MUSIC--We sang Itsy Bitsy Spider, over and over and over. We also watched some YouTube videos, mostly animated versions of the Itsy Bitsy Spider set to fun music, but also a few photo collages of various insects. We also sang The Ants Go Marching.

Make a shape with wire.
Place the shape on the lawn and provide the child/children with a magnifying lens.
Instruct children to observe within the designated ares of the shape. Have children lay on the grass to observe detailed information. Confining children to a specific small ares will help them focus and concentrate. Encourage children to observe and identify insects on leaves, grass, ground, under rocks, branches, etc. Have children use as many of their senses as possible. After observation encourage children to draw, identify and label his insect. Draw their natural environment.
Follow-up: Search insects on the internet. Identify the insect observed and gather information.
Suggestion: Make geometric shapes using PVC tubing (hardware store) use pvc 90 degree elbow to connect the corners to make the shape.